A scary thought.

[Wilco]

I want to ask the people in this forum who were in the service or are still in active service. I plan to join the Marine Corps right after school , but lately I've been thinking the worst thing that could happen, me being killed in combat. I know this is wierd to be talking about, but have you guys ever let that pass your thought? Even though I think about this, I am yet to be turned away from the Marine Corps, I want to protect my country and nothing will stop me, I hope.

[Beowulf]

That's not the worst thing that can happen....but yes that thought has crossed my mind many times. Even if you're not military you ought to have considered the possibility of an untimely death...

[Obergefreiter]

I hate to sound cleched, but death is painless. There are far worse things that can happen.

It can be both the best and worst time of your life. Make the most of it.

Dieing is not something you normally think abou that often. Usually your training takes over, and the commradery with your unit will be formost in your mind.

[Maverick77]

I will join the Canadian or American infantry in a year and a half. I understand the possibility of being killed in combat or some other type of non hostile bull**** in a warzone.


But that does not stop me from wanting that career. I don't think anyone that doesnt understand that should be in the military.

There are worse things than dieing anyway.

[Flagg]

Even if you're not military you ought to have considered the possibility of an untimely death...

I agree with Beo.....we're all mortal...it's how you make the best of the time you have that counts.

When you time is up, and you have few regrets, you've won

[Ichhabe]

Before I mailed my application to serve as a UN-soldier in Lebanon, I gave it a long and thoroughly thought.
Was my action of applicate to something that I looked upon as dangerous worth the risk of being killed. I was 19 that fall. I had, if I was lucky, still a good 50 years to live.
after some real "soul-searching" I came to the conclusion: It was worth the risk. I came to peace with myself. Not that I had a death wish, but that I might got serious hurt, or even killed was within reason of acceptance.

It is difficult to give words to these feelings in English, but I hope they are understandable for you out there.
But you need to search youself. Getting advises from others is good, but lastly: it is yourself that has to make the final conclusion. And that is never easy, trust me on that.

[Wilco]

I have made my conclusion on what to do, I wanted to see if it was a normal thought that you putting your life on the line may make you serve the ultimate price, thanks for the feedback guys.

[bobdakilla]

who the hell cares if you die you go to heaven anyways (if your good) but torture that would suck that big one but im joinign the canadian army in less then a year (i dont know if I will join the reserves or regular forces yet) and its crossed my mind to but after reading a few things im not realy afraid of death anymore.

[mocking_loudly_died]

That's not the worst thing that can happen....but yes that thought has crossed my mind many times. Even if you're not military you ought to have considered the possibility of an untimely death...

You can't die, you're the 5 billion dollar man - we have made you faster, stronger and slightly delusional.

[MaDuce]

Just think of the shape youll be in, the chicks you could get(unless u ugly to start with) and also it helps ALOT with jobs in the civlian sector employers like people with discipline.

[Hydro]

That's not the worst thing that can happen....but yes that thought has crossed my mind many times. Even if you're not military you ought to have considered the possibility of an untimely death...

You can't die, you're the 5 billion dollar man - we have made you faster, stronger and slightly delusional.

"We can rebuild him. We have the technology. We just don't want to spend much money." - Family Guy

[Felix]

Have you ever thought about dying when you take your car out for a drive, or when you walk around your kitchen? Cuz statistically, all those things are pretty ****in' dangerous.. Its part of life. You may be killed overseas as a marine, and you may be stabbed in your own hometown in broad daylight in your own hometome. Death is just the end of life.

[OzMan]

I plan to enlist after I graduate as well, and that same thought has crossed my mind many times. If I should die in the service of my country, I will die knowing that my parents, brothers, friends, and the rest of my family were proud of me, and that I died doing exactly what I wanted to do. I died so that others would not, and I have comfort knowing that my death will not bring shame, but honor to my family.

And I'm more scared of other things, like not having what it takes. But, my acute confidence problem still has a little over two years to be tweaked out, and I'm working on it.

[Hullebullen]

A couple of years ago I had the the opportunity to go to Kosovo when troubles first flared up there. I had originally applied for service in Bosnia then I went to live in Israel for half year. When I came home I got a letter saying something like: "Thank you for your interest but all the seats are taken". After that I didn't give it any more thought.

Later that year I got a phonecall from military wondering if I wanted to go to Kosovo. At that point I was just about to move away from my parents and start my university studies so I declined.

I have sometimes thought about applying again but I don't know if I could hack it. I know my dad couldn't.

Bottom line...like other people said, it's your decision.

[LordHalbert]

Being killed is not the worst that can happen. You can usually expect torture and slow painful death if you are captured alive - so don't let that happen !!!

One of the stipulations in the Geneva convention is that POWs must be paid a montly salary according to rank rofl

Yea, so don't expect a salary as a POW either - another reason not be captured alive.

[big_les]

who the hell cares if you die you go to heaven anyways (if your good) but torture that would suck that big one but im joinign the canadian army in less then a year (i dont know if I will join the reserves or regular forces yet) and its crossed my mind to but after reading a few things im not realy afraid of death anymore.

Yeah! Hoo-aah! In fact, I'm going to fast-track my ass to heaven right now!!!!

*leaps out of window*

[Beowulf]

That's not the worst thing that can happen....but yes that thought has crossed my mind many times. Even if you're not military you ought to have considered the possibility of an untimely death...

You can't die, you're the 5 billion dollar man - we have made you faster, stronger and slightly delusional.

woohooo!!

[follows that last guy out the window, but does ninja roll and lands in cool "3 point stance" crouch]...oh yeah

[OldRecon]

Must admit I didn't give the posibility of maiming or death that much thought beforehand.
When as a little kid I saw news stories on tv of the first NORBATT contigency being deployed to Lebanon in 1978, i sort of there and then decided I wanted to be a part of that myself, if the opportunity was still there when I was old enough to volunteer for it.
And have never regretted it, though having a few more contigencies under my belt, than the one I got, probably wouldn't hurt on my wisdom.
Though on the other hand I've never felt easy with taking orders from people who openly display a lack of insight or sensibility vs. the risks involved with the orders they give.

[Sierra]

I hope to join the Army some day and yes that has cossed my mind. I have seen war victims but I still want to join. But I am not afraid of death, I am afraid of leaving my family behind.

[Salty Dog]

it's tough times we are living in, especially if you are planning to join the military. but do what you think is right. if things don't settle down, i might have to go to iraq after bootcamp (june) and SOI....

[Tane Angle]

War is a scary thing. There is no shame in not feeling so. There's an often-heard line that goes "Everyone is scared. Anyone who isn't is either lying or stupid." It's true. I'll admit it flat out-there have been times when I was scared more than I thought was possible. Just keep it together, stay sane and focused, and you'll be all right. You wouldn't be sent to do a job unless it was believed that you could do it perfectly and still come back alive.

By the way, I recommend reading Nick Rowe's book, "Five Years to Freedom" and Mike Durant's "In the Company of Heroes," among others. Know how to stay calm and sane. Know how to believe that you are in control, and you will be. Have a good one, and just some thoughts...

[Uncle Sam]

The thoughts of dying and being killed will pass. I've been close to that edge, and believe me, dying was the last thing on my mind...Living is the name of the game! Amen...;)

[Tane Angle]

Living is the name of the game! :D

Life, I love you-all is groovy. p-)

[Argyll]

What's for you will not go by you!!

Next time I log in it'll be from downtown Baghdad,so be good till then and no flame wars ;)

[shrek]

Me and the closest members of my team made a vow one druken night. We would not let each other be taken alive. We had seen the videos and read the reports. It was better to die. So, when you leave the compound, look in the mirror and say "this is it, I'm not coming back". It's actually quite refreshing, you've made up your mind, gotten right with your God and you're ready to go take care of business, coming back will be a bonus.
Now, this sounds crass and bravadoish but it's not. It takes your mind off of something that, once it takes place, you cannot control. I guarunnnteee that you're a lot more likely to die driving to work than in wherever they might send you. No ****!

[TriggerPuller]

Remember you dont want to die for your country you want that other motherfuucker to die for his!!!!

I never thought about it then though it is a little different now that Iam a father. It is pointless to worry about **** like that when you re younger and have no one that relies on you like a wife and kids!

TP

[farmgirl]

What's for you will not go by you!!

Next time I log in it'll be from downtown Baghdad,so be good till then and no flame wars ;)



Be safe, sweetie.... :hug: see you soon!!!

[Truthsayer]

Don't be afrain to die - it's relativly painless.

Be more afraid if there is no soldiers for protection when the invasion comes and your family is killed. That will hurt you...

[California Joe]

As James once suggested:

Wilfred Owen
Dulce Et Decorum Est

Bent double, like old beggars under sacks,
Knock-kneed, coughing like hags, we cursed through sludge,
Till on the haunting flares we turned our backs
And towards our distant rest began to trudge.
Men marched asleep. Many had lost their boots
But limped on, blood-shod. All went lame; all blind;
Drunk with fatigue; deaf even to the hoots
Of disappointed shells that dropped behind.

GAS! Gas! Quick, boys!-- An ecstasy of fumbling,
Fitting the clumsy helmets just in time;
But someone still was yelling out and stumbling
And floundering like a man in fire or lime.--
Dim, through the misty panes and thick green light
As under a green sea, I saw him drowning.

In all my dreams, before my helpless sight,
He plunges at me, guttering, choking, drowning.

If in some smothering dreams you too could pace
Behind the wagon that we flung him in,
And watch the white eyes writhing in his face,
His hanging face, like a devil's sick of sin;
If you could hear, at every jolt, the blood
Come gargling from the froth-corrupted lungs,
Obscene as cancer, bitter as the cud
Of vile, incurable sores on innocent tongues,--
My friend, you would not tell with such high zest
To children ardent for some desperate glory,
The old Lie: Dulce et decorum est
Pro patria mori.

[Uncle Sam]

What's for you will not go by you!!

Next time I log in it'll be from downtown Baghdad,so be good till then and no flame wars ;)

Don't worry about "trigger safety" over there...Stay safe!

[Resevoir Hogs]

I would hope this question crosses every person's mind when they join. IF you're not at least willing to concieve the posibility you shouldn't be allowed to serve.

[Royal]

This used to be part of my sig - until the w**kers came her and wrecked things....

Just been to the retirement do of a guy who's seen more **** than most of you can ever dream of. This seems kind of apposite (as usual)...


They shall not grow old as we who are left grow old.
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
WE WILL REMEMBER THEM.

[XASA]

There was a brief period in my life where I thought I would never live to see 30. Now that I'm well passed that age, I realize how precious every day above ground is if only because I'm lucky enough to be alive to enjoy it. I'll never take any thing for granted again.

[Haiw]

There was a brief period in my life where I thought I would never live to see 30. Now that I'm well passed that age, I realize how precious every day above ground is if only because I'm lucky enough to be alive to enjoy it. I'll never take any thing for granted again.
And now you're at a point where you'll never see 30 again... ;)